Text-based communication control for personal communication device

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for enabling a user to control the content of text-based messages sent to or received from an administered device. In some embodiments, a message will be blocked (incoming or outgoing) if the message includes forbidden content. In other embodiments, the objectionable content is removed from the message prior to transmission or as part of the receiving process. The content of such a message is controlled by filtering the message based on defined criteria. The criteria may be defined according to a parental control application. These techniques also may be used, in accordance with instructional embodiments, to require the administered devices to include certain text in messages. These embodiments might, for example, require that a certain number of Spanish words per day be included in e-mails for a child learning Spanish.

BACKGROUND

This relates to text-based communication devices. The proliferation ofcomputers and compact portable devices has led to vast amounts oftext-based communication. One problem with text-based communications isthat there is no way to monitor and control text communications to makethem user appropriate. For example, users such as children may send orreceive messages (intentionally or not) with parentally objectionablelanguage. Also, because electronic text-based messaging often can beinformal, some users may draft messages that are grammaticallyincorrect.

One way in which parental control can be accomplished is to limit theaccess points that a user can have. For example, a parent could preventa child user from accessing specific websites, or limit the user tocommunicating electronically with a limited set of individuals or e-mailaddresses. Such solutions, however, still do not address the content ofthe communications that the child user has with the permittedcommunicators.

One way that systems can be used to attempt to control the content thata user can view is to pass all of the communications through adictionary which prevents a given set of words from being communicated.For example, many such dictionaries, if selected, typically prevent theuser from sending or receiving curse words. One problem with thispotential solution is that the dictionaries are often fixed. Anotherpotential problem with such dictionaries is that they do not have theability to prevent the use of non-standard forms of words from beingcommunicated, such as those types of words that are often communicatedvia text messaging (such as, for example, text messaging “LOL” insteadof typing out the full text of “lots of luck”).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in various embodiments, addresses deficiencies inexisting attempts at solutions by providing systems, methods and devicesthat enable an administrator to control the text-based communications ofa user of a text-based communications device through an administrativemode of an intelligent text-based communication control unit orapplication. The text-based communication control application filtersincoming and/or outgoing text-based communications based onadministrator-defined criteria.

In one embodiment, the control application includes a parental controlapplication. The parental control application evaluates whether or notthe communication contains approved text based on, for example,objective ratings criteria or a user's age or grade level, and, ifunauthorized, prevents such text from being included in the text-basedcommunication. If the control contains unauthorized text, the controlapplication may alert the user, the administrator or other designatedindividuals of the presence of such text. The control application mayrequire the user to replace the unauthorized text or may automaticallydelete the text or the entire communication.

In another embodiment, the control application includes an instructionaltool or study aid where the administrator sets one or more modes, suchas language, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation and/or othercontent of a text-based communication based on, for example, a user'sage or grade level. This can be especially useful, for example, such aswhen a child's grades go down. A parent can then institute a conditionto improve a child's grades. For example, the control application mayrequire a user during specified time periods to send messages in adesignated foreign language, to include certain designated vocabularywords, or to use proper designated spelling, designated grammar anddesignated punctuation and like designated language forms based on theuser's defined skill level and/or designated language skill rating. Ifthe text-based communication fails to include the required language orformat, the control application may alert the user and/or theadministrator/parent of the absence of such text.

The control application may require the user to rewrite the text-basedcommunication in the required language, to include the requiredvocabulary words and/or to correct spelling and punctuation errors. Thecontrol application may require the user to locate the error. If theuser cannot correct the error, the control application may provide hintsas to the location of the error by first indicating the paragraph, then,the line and, finally, the exact location.

In some embodiments, a text-based communication device includes a userinterface that enables a user to perform at least one of inputting andediting a message. The device also includes a transmitter for sendingthe message. The device further includes a processor that controls thesending of the message based on a portion of the message and one or moremessage control conditions.

In some embodiments, the message control conditions include at least oneof required text, banned text, authorized text and designated language.In other embodiments, the device includes a data storage that include atleast one of a number of required text words, a number of banned textwords, a number of of authorized text words, and a number of designatedlanguage forms.

In still other embodiments, controlling includes comparing a portion ofthe message with the stored data to determine whether the communicationsatisfies one or more message control conditions. In these instances,controlling may also include: (i) preventing the sending of the messageif the message does not satisfy one or more message control conditions;or (ii) allowing the message to be sent if the message satisfies all ofthe message control conditions. Controlling may further includeprompting the user to modify the message if the message does not satisfyone of the message control conditions.

In some embodiments, at least one of the message control conditionsincludes applying ratings to the message control conditions, at leastone of which can correspond to the user's designated language skillrating. The rated message control conditions can be applied to theentire message or a portion of the message according to the user'sdesignated language skill rating. In further embodiments, the designatedlanguage may include a required foreign language, vocabulary, spelling,grammar and/or punctuation based on the user's designated skill level.

In other embodiments, a text-based communication device includes a userinterface that enables a user to view a message, a receiver thatreceives the message from a sender, and a processor that controls thereceiving of the message based on a portion of the message and one ormore message control conditions.

In yet other embodiments, a communications system includes a firstcommunication device that performs at least one of sending and receivinga message. The communications system also includes an administrator unitthat performs at least one of controlling the sending of the message andthe receiving of the message based on message control conditions. Themessage control conditions may include rated message control conditionswhere at least one of the rated message control conditions correspondsto a designated language skill level of a user of the firstcommunication devices. In certain embodiments, the controlling functionincludes at least one of: (i) preventing the sending or receiving of themessage if the message does not satisfy the rated message controlconditions corresponding to the user's designated language skill rating;and (ii) allowing the sending or receiving of the message if the messagesatisfies all of the rated message control conditions corresponding tothe user's designated language skill rating.

While the above was described with respect to one or more variousembodiments, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that thefeatures described herein with respect to one or more embodiments can becombined together without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature andvarious advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to likeparts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a device capable of text-basedcommunication with an exposed frame assembly according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of a device capable of text-basedcommunication according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1C shows a diagram of a communications system according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of a device capable oftext-based communication according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 3-8 are illustrative displays of an administrative mode of atext-based communication control application according to variousembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9-13 are illustrative displays of a user mode of a text-basedcommunication control application according to various embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for generating controlconditions in an administrative mode of the control applicationaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for applying controlconditions according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16A is a flowchart of an illustrative process for applying controlconditions according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 16B is a flowchart of an illustrative process for correcting amessage that fails to comply with control conditions according to oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a text-based communication device 100according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The text-basedcommunication device 100 includes a housing 102, a first housing portion104, a second housing portion 106, a display 108, a keypad 110, aspeaker housing aperture 112, a microphone housing aperture 114, aheadphone jack 116, and frame sidewall 122. Although not shown, incertain embodiments, the frame sidewall 122 is the exposed portion of aframe residing within or adjacent to the housing 102 that providesstructural support for the text-based communication device 100 andvarious internal components. The housing 102 can also include variousgaps 118, such as openings, separations, vents, or other pathwaysbetween elements of the housing 102 that enable the passage of air orsound through the housing 102.

In one embodiment, the housing 102 includes a first housing portion 104and a second housing portion 106 that are fastened together to encasevarious components of the text-based communication device 100. Incertain embodiments, the housing 102 can also include an exposed frame120 that provides structural support for the text-based communicationdevice 100. The housing 102 and its housing portions 104 and 106 mayinclude polymer-based materials that are formed by, for example,injection molding to define the form factor of the text-basedcommunication device 100. In one embodiment, the housing 102 surroundsand/or supports internal components such as, for example, one or morecircuit boards having integrated circuit components, internal radiofrequency (RF) circuitry, an internal antenna, a speaker, a microphone,a hard drive, a processor, and/or other components. Further detailsregarding certain internal components are discussed below with respectto FIG. 3. The housing 102 can provide for mounting of a display 108,keypad 110, external jack 116, data connectors, or other externalinterface elements. The housing 102 can include one or more housingapertures 112 to facilitate delivery of sound, including voice andmusic, to a user from a speaker within the housing 102. The housing 102can include one or more housing apertures 114 to facilitate thereception of sounds, such as voice, for an internal microphone from auser.

In certain embodiments, the housing 102 includes one or more gaps 118associated with the housing 102. These gaps 118 can result from thedesign, manufacturing and/or assembly process for the text-basedcommunication device 100. For example, in certain circumstances, themechanical attachment of the first housing portion 104 with the secondhousing portion 106 or the sidewall 122 can result in a crease 120 orjoint between the portions 104 and 106. In certain text-basedcommunication devices 100, the crease 120 may not be air tight,resulting in gaps 118 along the crease. Other gaps may be formed duringassembly between, for example, one or more keys of the keypad 110 andthe housing 102 or the display 108 and the housing 102, resulting inadditional gaps 118. In other embodiments, the housing 102 may includeaddition portions that are integrated to form the housing 102 for thetext-based communication device 100.

The text-based communication device 100 may include a wirelesscommunications device such as a cellular telephone, satellite telephone,cordless telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), pager, portablecomputer, or any other device capable of wireless communications. Infact, FIG. 1A shows an exemplary cellular telephone version of a broadcategory of text-based communication device 100.

The text-based communication device 100 may also be integrated withinthe packaging of other devices or structures such a vehicle, video gamesystem, appliance, clothing, helmet, glasses, wearable apparel, stereosystem, entertainment system, or other portable devices. In certainembodiments, device 100 may be docked or connected to a wirelessenabling accessory system (e.g., a Wi-Fi docking system) that providesthe text-based communication device 100 with short-range communicatingfunctionality. Alternative types of text-based communication devices 100may include, for example, an Apple® iphone that is made available byApple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., pocket-sized personal computers suchas an iPAQ® Pocket PC available by Hewlett Packard Inc., of Palo Alto,Calif. and any other device capable of communicating wirelessly (with orwithout the aid of a wireless enabling accessory system).

In certain embodiments, the text-based communication device 100 maysynchronize with, for example, a remote computing system or server toreceive text-based communication (using either wireless or wirelinecommunications paths). Wireless syncing enables the text-basedcommunication device 100 to transmit and receive media and data withoutrequiring a wired connection. Media may include, without limitation,text, sound or audio files, music, video, multi-media, and digital data,in streaming and/or discrete (e.g., files and packets) formats.

During synchronization, a host system may provide text to a clientsystem or software application embedded within the text-basedcommunication device 100. In certain embodiments, text data is“downloaded” to the text-based communication device 100. In otherembodiments, the text-based communication device 100 is capable ofuploading text to a remote host or other client system (and in otherembodiments, the system is capable of downloading and uploading text).

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of a text-based communication device100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, as opposed to the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the text-basedcommunication device's frame and/or the frame's sidewalls are notexposed to an external surface of the device. However, in certainembodiments, the frame is connected internally with at least a portionof one of the first housing portion 104 or the second housing portion106.

FIG. 1C is a diagram of a communications system according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention. The system 150 includescommunication network 160, communication device 152, communicationdevice 154, administrator 156 and data links 140. A text-basedcommunications device 100 is capable of functioning as communicationdevice 152 or 154. In certain embodiments, the administrator 156 isincluded in one of communication devices 152 or 154. The administratormay include and/or interface with a text-based message controlapplication 158.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified functional block diagram of the text-basedcommunications device 200 according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. The text-based communications device 200 may be any devicesuitable for transmitting a text-based communication (e.g., e-mail, textmessaging, instant messaging), such as, for example, device 100 of FIG.1A.

The text-based communications device 200 can include processor 202,storage device 204, user interface 206, display 210, CODEC 212, bus 218,memory 220, communications circuitry 222, speaker 224, microphone 226,vibration source driver 228 and POM sensor 230. Processor 202 cancontrol the operation of many functions and other circuitry included intext-based communication device 200. Processor 202 can drive display 210and can receive user inputs from the user interface 206.

Storage device 204 can store the conditions created by an administrator,text data associated with the administrator conditions, software (e.g.,for implementing the administrator conditions), wireless connectioninformation (e.g., information that may enable text-based communicationdevice to establish wireless communication with another device),subscription information (e.g., information that enables automaticupdating of text data), and any other suitable data. Storage device 204may include one more storage mediums, including for example, ahard-drive, permanent memory such as ROM, semi-permanent memory such asRAM, or cache.

Memory 220 may include one or more different types of memory that can beused for performing various device functions. For example, memory 220may include cache, ROM, and/or RAM. Bus 218 may provide a data transferpath for transferring data to, from, or between at least storage device204, memory 220, and processor 202. The CODEC 212 may also convert audioinputs from the microphone 226 into digital audio signals. The CODEC 212may include a video CODEC for processing digital and/or analog videosignals.

User interface 206 may allow a user to interact with the text-basedcommunication device 200. For example, the user input element orinterface 206 can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad,dial, click wheel, or touch screen. Communications circuitry 222 mayinclude circuitry for wireless communication (e.g., short-range and/orlong range communication). For example, the wireless communicationcircuitry may be Wi-Fi enabling circuitry that permits wirelesscommunication according to one of the 802.11 standards. Other wirelessnetwork protocol standards could also be used, either, instead of theidentified protocols, or in addition to the identified protocol. Othernetwork standards may include Bluetooth, the Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), and code division multiple access (CDMA) basedwireless protocols. Communications circuitry 222 may also includecircuitry that enables device 200 to be electrically coupled to anotherdevice (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate withthat other device.

In one embodiment, the text-based communication device 200 may be astationary computing device. For example, a personal computer thatenables a user to communicate via e-mail, text messaging, instantmessaging and other similar text applications.

In one embodiment, the text-based communication device 200 may be aportable device such as a cellular phone (e.g., Apple® iphone) or othersuitable personal device that enables a user to communicate via e-mail,text messaging, instant messaging and other similar text applications.

Device 200 may include a control application 158 (such as that shown inFIG. 1C) that controls certain aspects of transmitted or receivedtext-based messages. The control application 158 filters incoming and/oroutgoing text-based communications and attachments based onadministrator-defined criteria. In one embodiment, the controlapplication 158 is a parental control application. The controlapplication 158 evaluates whether or not the communication containsapproved text (or objectionable text) based on, for example, objectiveratings criteria or a user's age or grade level, and, if unauthorized,prevents such text from being included in the text-based communication.

In another embodiment, the control application 158 is an instructionaltool or study aid where the administrator sets required language,vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation and/or other content of atext-based communication based on, for example, a user's age or gradelevel. According to administrator defined conditions, the controlapplication 158 can require a user, during certain time periods, to sendmessages in a foreign language, to include certain vocabulary words, orto use proper spelling, grammar and/or punctuation based on the user'sdefined skill level. This could aide the user in more quickly improvinghis or her fluency of a language.

The control application 158 can be implemented on the user device. Ifthe control application 158 is implemented on the user device, thecontrol application 158 may be stored in storage device 204 and loadedinto the memory 220 for use by processor 202. In another embodiment, thecontrol application 158 may be implemented on a first device 200,(e.g.,device 152) while a user text-based communication application, subjectto control by the control application 158, may be implemented on asecond device 200 (e.g., device 154). Certain administrative conditionsmay be set by an administrator within the first device 200 (e.g., device152) and transmitted (e.g., via Wi-Fi, infrared, USB, or other suitabletransmission method) to the second device 200 (e.g., device 154) wherethey are stored in storage device 204 and loaded into memory 220 for useby the processor 202 (the conditions also may be saved on theadministrator's device).

In another embodiment, the control application 158 can be implemented ona device 156 (the “administrator device”), which can act as anintermediary between one or more user devices 200 (e.g., 152 and 154).The administrator device 156 can check each transmitted message forcompliance with the administrative conditions. In some of thoseembodiments, the administrator device 156 can automatically modify themessages to ensure compliance. In other embodiments, the administratordevice 156 may instead alert the receiving or sending user device 200 totake appropriate remedial action before transmission will be permitted.

The control application 158 may apply to any incoming and/or outgoingtext-based communication, including, for example, e-mails, e-mailattachments, text messages and instant messages. In some embodiments thecontrol application 158 may allow the administrator to define the userto which the condition is applied. For example, the control application158 may provide a list of e-mail addresses, text messaging addresses orother unique device identifiers. In response to an administratorselecting one or more addresses or a select an “ALL” option, the controlapplication 158 can apply the conditions to the selected user addressesand/or devices.

FIGS. 3-10 show various illustrative display screens of a text-basedcommunication control application 158 in administrative mode, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The controlapplication 158 enters the administrative mode in response to theadministrator inputting a password or other appropriate access code onthe onscreen keyboard (see, for example, reference 412 on FIG. 4) orother user input device.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative condition menu display 302 havingselectable condition options. In this example, the options includerequired text 304, banned text 306, authorized text 308, language 310,and other criteria 312. This list is only illustrative, as otherapproaches may include a subset of these options, other options, or acombination thereof.

In response to the administrator identifying one of the conditionoptions, the control application 158 provides a display or 'set ofdisplays suitable for allowing the administrator to define the conditionof the option. Required text option 304, for example, allows theadministrator to set up a list of required words that must be includedin a message. In response to the administrator selecting this option,the control application 158 provides a required text display that allowsthe administrator to define or select required words and may includewords in another language.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative required words display 402, according to anembodiment of the invention. In this example, display 402 includes list404 of currently required words, “Delete” option 406, “Add” option 408,“Add From Predefined Text List” option 410, “Date” option 416, “Time”option 418 and “Notification” option 420. In response to theadministrator selecting a word and selecting “Delete” option 406, thecontrol application 158 can delete the selected word from required list404. In response to the administrator selecting “Add” option 408, thecontrol application 158 can provide an onscreen keyboard 412 that a usercan use to input required words letter by letter. The controlapplication 158 may also provide a voice recognition program thatenables the administrator to verbally add text.

In response to the administrator selecting “Add From Predefined TextList” option 410 (FIG. 4), the control application 158 can provide adisplay or set of displays suitable for allowing the administrator toinclude selected text from predefined text list 504 in required list 404(such as is shown in FIG. 5).

In response to the administrator selecting “Date” option 416, thecontrol application 158 can present a calendar and/or days of the weekfor the administrator to define the dates or days when the required textcondition would be in effect. In response to the administrator selecting“Time” option 418, the control application 158 can present a clock forthe administrator to define the time of day when the required textcondition would be in effect. The control application 158 may providefor the date option 416 and time option 418 to be set to reoccurautomatically. For example, the administrator can program the requiredtext condition to be in effect for a certain number of calendar datessuch as one week, for every Wednesday or for every day between 1PM and2PM. For example, a child's weekly vocabulary list may be included inrequired text 404 so that every message sent by a user during that timeperiod must contain at least one word from the weekly vocabulary list.

In response to the administrator activating notify option 420, thecontrol application 158 may alert the administrator by e-mail message orother appropriate means of any user's failure to meet the required textcondition. In some embodiments, the control application 158 may alertthe administrator generally of any user's failure to meet the requiredtext condition. In some embodiments, the control application 158 mayalso alert the administrator when a user complies with the required textcondition. For example, the control application 158 may notify theadministrator of the required text used by the user or may send theadministrator a copy of the message where the required text wasincluded.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative predefined text menu display 502 havingselectable options, according to an embodiment of the invention. In thisexample, the options include “Add” option 506 and “Update” option 508.This list is only illustrative, as other approaches may include a subsetof these options, or other options. In response to the administratorselecting “Update” option 508, the control application 158 may updatethe predefined text list by transmitting and receiving data from a hostor other client system such as, for example, Apple® iTunes. In someembodiments, the control application 158 may display the predefined textlist 504 in alphabetical order or randomly. If displayed in alphabeticalorder, the control application 158 may provide an onscreen keyboard 510for easy searching where the list automatically scrolls to wordsbeginning with the typed letter combination. In some embodiments, wherethe predefined text list is displayed randomly, the control application158 may provide for the administrator to sort the entries or may locatewords in response to administrator searches. In response to theadministrator selecting an entry or entries from predefined text list504 and, then, activating “Add” option 506, the control application 158can add that entry or entries to current required text 404 (FIG. 4).

Returning to FIG. 3, condition menu display 302 also includes bannedtext option 306. In response to the administrator's selection of thisoption, the control application 158 can provide a display or set ofdisplays suitable for allowing the administrator to define a list ofbanned words. This option functions similar to, but opposite of, therequired text option 304. Namely, banned text option 306, for example,allows the administrator to set up a list of banned words that may beexcluded from a message. In some embodiments, the control application158 will replace the banned text with approved text with the samemeaning. In some embodiments, the control application 158 will deletethe banned text, delete the sentence containing the banned text ordelete the entire message (or any combination thereof). In someembodiments, the control application 158 can indicate the deleted and/orsubstituted text in the message.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative banned words display 602, according to anembodiment of the invention. In this example, display 602 includes listof banned text 604, “Delete” option 606, “Add” option 608, “Add FromPredetermined Text List” option 610, “Date” option 616, “Time” option618, “Notification” option 620 and rating option 622. In response to theadministrator selecting a word and selecting “Delete” option 606, thecontrol application 158 can delete the selected word from banned list604. In response to the administrator selecting “Add” option 608, thecontrol application 158 can provide an onscreen keyboard 612 for theuser to type in banned words. The control application 158 may alsoprovide a voice recognition program that enables the administrator toadd banned text to the system by simply speaking the banned words.

In response to the administrator selecting “Date” option 616, thecontrol application 158 can present a calendar and/or days of the weekfor the administrator to define the dates or days when the banned textcondition would be in effect. In response to the administrator selecting“Time” option 618, the control application 158 can present a clock forthe administrator to define the time of day when the required textcondition would be in effect. The control application 158 may providefor the date option 616 and time option 618 to be set to reoccurautomatically. For example, the administrator can program the requiredtext condition to be in effect for a certain number of calendar dates,such as two years. In response to the administrator activating“Notification” option 620, the control application 158 can alert theadministrator by e-mail message or other appropriate means of any user'sfailure to meet the banned text condition 604. In some embodiments, thecontrol application 158 may send the administrator a copy of theinappropriate message for the administrator to release the message, ifit is found to be acceptable. In some embodiments, the administrator maybe notified of the banned words included in the user's original message.

In response to the administrator selecting “Add From Predefined TextList” option 610, the control application 158 can provide a display orset of displays suitable for allowing the administrator to select bannedtext from a predefined text list (such as 504 shown in FIG. 5). Inresponse to the administrator selecting an entry or entries frompredefined text list 604 and, then, activating “Add” option 606, thecontrol application 158 can add that entry to banned text list 604. Insome embodiments, the control application 158 may update the predefinedtext list by transmitting and receiving data from a host or other clientsystem, for example Apple® iTunes. In some embodiments, the controlapplication 158 may automatically rate banned words or may provide a wayfor an administrator to rate banned words. The ratings 622 may, forexample, be G, PG, R or X, or any other appropriate ratings. In responseto the administrator selecting a rating for a user, the controlapplication 158 may apply that selected rating to filter incoming andoutgoing messages for that user.

Returning to FIG. 3, condition menu display 302 also includes authorizedtext option 308. In response to the administrator's selection of thisoption, the control application 158 provides a display or set ofdisplays suitable for allowing the administrator to define a list ofauthorized words. This option functions similar to the required textoption 304. Namely, authorized text option 308 allows the administratorto set up a list of authorized words that may be included in a message.In some embodiments, the control application 158 will exclude allunauthorized words from a message. In some embodiments, the controlapplication 158 will provide for the administrator to rate authorizedtext and only include text with a particular rating. For example, inresponse to an administrator assigning the user a third grade rating,the control application 158 will include text with a third grade ratingin messages.

In some embodiments, the control application 158 will include text thatis rated the same as or lower than the user's rating. For example, thecontrol application 158 may include authorized text rated first, secondand third grade in a message from the user assigned a third graderating. In some embodiments, the authorized text may include spellingrules, grammar rules and/or punctuation rules. For example, the controlconditions may require the user with a third grade rating to properlyspell words assigned a third grade rating, but the user may misspellwords assigned a fourth grade or higher rating.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative authorized words display 702, according toan embodiment of the invention. In this example, display 702 includeslist of authorized words 704, “Delete” option 706, “Add” option 708,“Add From Predefined Text List” option 710, “Date” option 716, “Time”option 718, “Notification” option 720 and grading option 722. Inresponse to the administrator selecting a word and selecting “Delete”option 706, the control application 158 can delete the selected wordfrom authorized list 704. In response to the administrator selecting“Add” option 708, the control application 158 can provide an onscreenkeyboard 712 that the user can use to enter new authorized text. Thecontrol application 158 may also provide a voice recognition programthat enables the administrator to add new authorized text to the systemby simply speaking the new words.

In response to the administrator selecting “Date” option 716 and/or“Time” option 718, the control application 158 enables the administratorto define the dates, days or times when the authorized text condition isin effect and may be reoccurring. In response to the administratoractivating “Notification” option 720, the control application 158 canalert the administrator by e-mail message or other appropriate means ofany user's failure to meet the authorized text condition 704. Inresponse to the administrator activating grade option 722, the controlapplication 158 can provide for the administrator to assign a grade toeach word.

In response to the administrator identifying “Add From Predefined TextList” 710, the control application 158 can provide a display or set ofdisplays suitable for allowing the administrator to select authorizedtext 704 from a predefined text list. In response to the administratorselecting an entry or entries from predefined text list 704 and, then,activating “Add” option 706, the control application 158 can add thatentry to current authorized text list 704. In some embodiments, thecontrol application 158 may update the predefined text list bytransmitting and receiving data from a host or other client system, forexample Apple® iTunes or an online dictionary. In some embodiments, thecontrol application 158 may automatically grade authorized words. Thegrading system 722 may be first (1st), second (2nd), third (3rd), etc.,or any other appropriate system. In response to the administratoractivating a grade or grades for a user, the control application 158 canapply those selected grades to filter incoming and outgoing messages forthat user.

Returning to FIG. 3, condition menu display 302 also includes languageoption 310. In response to the administrator's selection of this option,the control application 158 provides a display or set of displayssuitable for allowing the administrator to define the language of amessage.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative language display 802, according to anembodiment of the invention. In this example, display 802 includes listof current language conditions 804, “Delete” option 806, “Add” option808, “Add From Predefined Text List' option 810, “Date” option 816,“Time” option 818, “Notification” option 820 and “Update” option 822. Inresponse to the administrator selecting a language condition andselecting “Delete” option 806, the control application 158 can deletethe selected language condition 804. In response to the administratorselecting “Add” option 808, the control application 158 can provide anonscreen keyboard 812 that a user can use to select a language.

The control application 158 may also provide a voice recognition programthat enables the administrator to select a language simply by speakingthe name of the language to be added. In response to the administratorselecting “Add From Predefined Text List” option 810, the controlapplication 158 can present a list of languages for setting up languagecondition 804. In response to the administrator selecting “Date” option816 and/or “Time” option 818, the control application 158 can providefor the administrator to define the dates, days or times when thelanguage condition is in effect and may be reoccurring.

In response to the administrator selecting “Update” option 822, thecontrol application 158 can provide for the administrator to updatelanguage data. In some embodiments, the control application 158 mayupdate the language by transmitting and receiving data from a host orother client system, for example Apple® iTunes or an online foreignlanguage dictionary. In some embodiments, the control application 158may provide for the administrator to update the language from CDs, DVDs,etc. In response to the administrator activating “Notification” option820, the control application 158 can alert the administrator and otherindividuals designated by the administrator, for example, the user'sSpanish teacher, by e-mail message or other appropriate means of anyuser's failure to meet the language condition 804. In some embodiments,control conditions, for example, required text, banned text orauthorized text, may include text in a foreign language for controllingmessages written in that foreign language.

Returning to FIG. 3, condition menu display 302 also includes othercriteria option 312. In response to the administrator's selection ofthis option, the control application 158 provides a display or set ofdisplays suitable for allowing the administrator to set conditions of amessage based on other criteria, such as spelling, grammar andpunctuation. For example, the control application 158 may provide forthe administrator to require a user to include proper spelling, grammarand/or punctuation in a message.

In some embodiments, the control application 158 may provide for theadministrator to define a user's skill level and require that the userinclude proper spelling, grammar and/or punctuation according to theuser's defined skill level. For example, if the user misspells a wordwithin his skill level, the control application 158 may alert the userthat an error exists and require the user to locate and correct theerror. If the user cannot locate the error, the control application 158may provide progressive hints (e.g., hints that get easier for the userif the user can not make the correct selection) as to the location ofthe error by first indicating the paragraph, then, the line and,finally, the exact location.

In some embodiments, the control application 158 may be set toautomatically correct spelling, grammar and/or punctuation errors thatare above the user's defined skill level. For example, if the usermisspells a word above his skill level, the control application 158 mayshow the user the error and may correct the error for the user. In someembodiments, the control application 158 may provide for theadministrator to be notified of a user's errors. For example, theadministrator may set the control application 158 to notify theadministrator and/or user's teacher of errors within a user's skilllevel. In some embodiments, the control application 158 may provide forthe administrator to be notified of a user's use, and/or attempted use,of words above his skill level.

FIGS. 9-13 show various illustrative display screens of a text-basedcommunication control application in user mode, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The control application 158 entersthe user mode in response to the user sending and/or receiving atext-based communication.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative text message display 902. In this example,display 902 includes “Send” option 904, recipient field 906, messagefield 908 and “Attachment” option 910. These display features are onlyillustrative, as other message formats may include a subset of thesefeatures, or other features. A user can send an e-mail message by usingonscreen keyboard 912 to type a message in message field 908, entering arecipient's e-mail address in recipient field 906 and activating “Send”option 904. In response to the user selecting “Send” option 904, thecontrol application 158 may be activated to filter the message andattachments based on administrator-defined criteria.

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative warning display 1002, according to anembodiment of the invention. In this example, the user included bannedtext in a sent e-mail message. Display 1002 includes notification offailed condition 1006, description of failed condition 1004, “Edit”option 1010, “Replace” option 1012, “Delete Text” option 1016 and“Delete Message” option 1014. In this example, display 1002 alsoincludes identification of failed condition in message 1008, where thebanned text is underlined. In some embodiments, the control application158 may specifically identify the failed condition (e.g., text error).In some embodiments, the control application 158 may require the user tolocate and correct the error. If the user cannot locate the error, thecontrol application 158 may provide hints as to the location of theerror by first indicating the paragraph, then, the line and, finally,the exact location. In some embodiments, if the user cannot correct theerror, the control application 158 may provide hints and, ultimately, acorrection.

In response to the user selecting “Edit” option 1010, the controlapplication 158 may provide for the user to manually edit and correctthe message using the onscreen keyboard 1018. In response to the userselecting “Replace” option 1012, the control application 158 may replacethe banned text with similar authorized text. In response to the userselecting “Delete Text” option 1016, the control application 158 maydelete the banned text from the message. In response to the userselecting “Delete Message” option 1018, the control application 158 maydelete the entire message. In some embodiments, in response to the userselecting “Replace” option 1012 and/or delete text option 1016, thecontrol application 158 may indicate in the message that text wasreplaced or deleted. In some embodiments, the control application 158may indicate to the user that the administrator was notified of thefailed condition.

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative warning display 1102, according to anembodiment of the invention. In this example, the user failed to includerequired text in a sent e-mail message. Display 1102 includesnotification of failed condition 1106, description of failed condition1104, “Edit” option 1110, “View Required Text List” option 1112 and“Delete Message” option 1114.

In response to the user selecting “Edit” option 1110, the controlapplication 158 may provide for the user to manually edit and correctthe message using the onscreen keyboard 1118. In response to the userselecting “View Required Text List” option 1112, the control application158 may provide for the user to view required text list 1212 (FIG. 12).In response to the user selecting “Delete Message” option 1118, thecontrol application 158 may delete the entire message. In someembodiments, the control application 158 may indicate to the user thatthe administrator was notified of the failed condition. In someembodiments, the control application 158 may indicate to the user thatthe administrator was notified of the user's use of required text.

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative required text list display 1202, accordingto an embodiment of the invention. In this example, display 1202includes required text list 1212 and onscreen keyboard 1206. In someembodiments, the control application 158 may provide a dictionary orthesaurus link for the user to look up the meaning of a required word.

FIG. 13 shows an illustrative warning display 1302, according to anembodiment of the invention. In this example, the user failed to write asent e-mail message in the required language. Display 1302 includesnotification of failed condition 1306, description of failed condition1304, “Edit” option 1310, “View Language Conditions” option 1312 and“Delete Message” option 1314.

In response to the user selecting “Edit” option 1310, the controlapplication 158 can enable the user to manually edit and correct themessage using the onscreen keyboard 1318. In response to the userselecting “View Language Conditions” option 1312, the controlapplication 158 may provide for the user to view the required language.In response to the user selecting “Delete Message” option 1318, thecontrol application 158 may delete the entire message. In someembodiments, the control application 158 may indicate to the user thatthe administrator was notified of the failed condition. In someembodiments, the control application 158 may indicate to the user thatthe administrator was notified of the user's use of a required language.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for generating controlconditions in an administrative mode of the control application inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. At step 1402, thecontrol application 158 enters administrative mode. This may beperformed in response to, for example, receiving a password or othersuitable access code entered by an administrator using the onscreenkeyboard. At step 1404, the control application (such as the variousforms of control application 158 described above) selects one or moreusers with which the control conditions will be associated. This may beperformed in response to, for example, receiving user names, e-mailaddresses or other indicia suitable for identifying a user or group ofusers. The control application may provide an onscreen keyboard, a voicerecognition application or other suitable means for the administrator toinput information.

At step 1406, the control application selects conditions according toadministrator inputs. For example, the administrator may select thecondition type from a display screen of the control application such asdisplay screen 302 (FIG. 3), which can include options 304, 306, 308,310 or 312, for example. In this example, the user appropriateconditions may be set according to required text, banned text,authorized text, language and other criteria such as spelling, grammarand punctuation. This list is just illustrative as other suitableconditions (and associated values) may be used as appropriate to thegiven application.

At step 1408, the control application selects condition values accordingto administrator inputs. For example, the administrator may selectcondition values for authorized text according to the user's educationalor skill level, such as that shown by reference numeral 722 on FIG. 7.FIGS. 4-8 show various illustrative displays of conditions and valuesthat may be defined in response to administrator selections. At step1410, the control application stores the conditions and at step 1412exits the administrator mode in response to the administrator loggingout or after a period of inactivity.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for applying controlconditions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. At step1502, the control application (such as the various forms of controlapplication 158 described above) may detect a message in response toattempts by the text-based communication application running on userdevice, such as device 200 shown in FIG. 2, to communicate, such as bysending or receiving a message. The control application may be part ofthe text-based communication application or may be a separateapplication. Further, the control application may be stored on a userdevice or it may be stored on a separate administrator device (such asdevices 152 and 156 shown in FIG. 1C) that is in communication with theuser device. The message may be any text-based communication such ase-mail, instant messaging or text messaging. At step 1504, the controlapplication may apply the control conditions to this message. At step1506, the control application may determine whether the messagesatisfies applicable control conditions, such as those described inaccordance with FIG. 14 above. If the message does not satisfy theconditions, the control application may block the message from beingsent or received. If the control conditions are not met, the controlapplication may display a message indicating the conditions are not metand may prompt the user to correct the message (step 1508). Illustrativemessages are shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13.

At step 1510, the control application or the user may correct themessage to comply with the control conditions. In some instances, thecontrol application may automatically correct the failure, for example,when a message is received that contains banned words and there is noopportunity to require the sender to correct the message. The controlapplication may provide the user with the option of having the error becorrected automatically. For example, the user may select the correctionmeans from a display screen of the control application such as displayscreen 1002 of FIG. 10, which can include options 1010, 1012, 1014and/or 1016. In this example, the user may choose to make the correctionmanually or may choose to have the control application automaticallyreplace or delete the banned word, or delete the entire message.Illustrative correction options are shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13. Atstep 1512, once all control conditions are satisfied, the controlapplication may allow the message to be sent or received.

FIG. 16A is a flowchart of an illustrative process for applying controlconditions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. At step1602, the control application may detect a message that is being sent orreceived by the user. At step 1604, the control application maydetermine whether control conditions, set by the administrator, apply tothe message. If control conditions do not apply to the message, thecontrol application may proceed to step 1648 and may allow the messageto be sent or received. If it is determined control conditions apply,the control application 158 may proceed to step 1606. At step 1606, themessage is parsed into each word in the message. Each word of themessage is compared to the control conditions and evaluated as towhether or not the word satisfies the conditions. At step 1608, thecontrol application may select the first word of the message forevaluation.

At step 1610, the control application may determine whether or not arequired text condition applies. In some embodiments, the user may berequired to include all words from the required text list in themessage. In this example, the user is required to include at least oneof the words from the required text list in the message. If there is norequired text condition, the control application may proceed to step1620.

At step 1612, the control application may determine whether a flagindicates that a required word is included in the message. If a flag isset, thus indicating that a required word is included, the control mayskip checking the remaining message words for this condition. If a flagis not set, the control application may continue checking the remainingmessage words for a required word.

At step 1614, the control application may select the first word orphrase from the required text list. At step 1616, the controlapplication may determine whether the required word is the same as themessage word. If the words match, the required condition is satisfiedand a flag is set at step 1619. If the words do not match, the controlapplication may proceed to step 1618 to determine whether or not thereis another word in the required text list. If there is another word inthe required text list, the control application may continue searchingfor a match by selecting the next word (step 1614), by comparing thewords to see if they match (step 1616) and, if there is a next requiredword (step 1618), by repeating steps 1614 and 1616. Once all of therequired words have been compared to the message word, the controlapplication may proceed to step 1620.

At step 1620, the control application may determine whether or not abanned text condition applies. In some embodiments, the banned words maybe rated according to a rating system. In such embodiments, the bannedtext list may be defined by the user's rating. The user's rating may bedetermined, for example, by age, by geographical location or by otherfactors. For example, the user may be assigned an R-rating in a systemthat includes G, PG, R and X ratings. The control application mayinclude only x-rated text in the user's banned text list. Word ratingsmay be automatically assigned according to an established rating systemand may be downloaded from an Internet source such as Apple® iTunes. Insome embodiments, the administrator may manually assign ratings towords.

At step 1622, the control application may select the first word orphrase from the banned text list. At step 1624, the control applicationmay determine whether the banned word is the same as the message word.If the words match, the required condition is not satisfied and thenon-compliance is added to the failure list at step 1626. Whether or notthe words match, the control application may proceed to step 1628 todetermine whether or not there is another word in the banned text list.If there is another word in the banned text list, the controlapplication may continue searching for a match by selecting the nextword (step 1622) and by comparing the words to see if they match (step1624). The control application may repeat steps 1622, 1624 and 1628until all words on the banned list have been compared to the messageword. Any words that match may be added to the failure list (steps1626). Once all of the banned words have been compared to the messageword, the control application may proceed to step 1630.

At step 1630, the control application may determine whether or not anauthorized text condition applies. In some embodiments, the authorizedtext may be language rules such as spelling, grammar and punctuation. Inthese embodiments, the control application would compare the messagewords or sentences to the rule to see if the condition is met. In someembodiments, the authorized text may be rated or ranked according to arating system. In such embodiments, the authorized text list may bedefined by the user's rating. The user's rating may be determined, forexample, by age, by educational skill level or by other factors. Forexample, the user may be assigned a third grade rating in a system thatincludes first grade through twelfth ratings. In this example, thecontrol application 158 may apply only third grade conditions to theuser. Alternatively, the control application may apply first throughthird grade conditions to the user. Authorized text ratings may beautomatically assigned according to an established rating system and maybe downloaded from an Internet source such as Apple® iTunes. In someembodiments, the administrator may assign these ratings manually.

At step 1632, the control application may select the first word from theauthorized text list. At step 1634, the control application maydetermine whether the authorized word is the same as the message word.If the words do not match, the control application may proceed to step1636 to determine whether or not there is another word in the authorizedtext list that matches. If there is another word in the authorized textlist, the control application may continue searching for a match byselecting the next word (step 1632) and by comparing the words to see ifthey match (step 1634). The control application may repeat steps 1632,1634 and 1636 until all words on the authorized list have been comparedto the message word. If, after the message word has been compare toevery authorized word, no words match, the required condition is notsatisfied and the non-compliance is added to the failure list at step1638. Once all of the authorized words have been compared to the messageword, the control application may proceed to step 1640.

At step 1640, the control application may determine if there are morewords in the message to which to apply control conditions. If there aremore words in the message, the control application proceeds to step1608. At step 1608, the control application may select the next messageword and follow steps 1610 through 1638 as described above. The controlapplication may continue this process until all message words have beenevaluated according to the control conditions. Once all the messagewords have been evaluated, the control application may proceed to step1642.

At step 1642, the control application may determine whether there is aflag to indicate that the required text condition is met. If there is noflag, the required text condition fails and this failure is added to thefailure list at step 1644. If there is a flag, the required textcondition is satisfied and the control application proceeds to step1646.

At step 1646, the control application determines whether all controlconditions have been satisfied. If the user complied with allconditions, the control application allows the message to be sent orreceived (step 1648). If the user fails to meet all conditions, thecontrol application may proceed to step 1650 (FIG. 16B) to evaluate eachfailure.

FIG. 16B is a flowchart of an illustrative process for correcting amessage that fails to comply with control conditions in accordance withone embodiment of the invention. At step 1650, the control applicationmay detect a text failure. In some embodiments, the control applicationmay send the user warning after each failure is identified. In someembodiments, the control application may assemble a list of failures andmay notify the user after all failures have been identified. In someembodiments, once the failure has been identified, the controlapplication may proceed with analyzing the next failure, if any. In someembodiments, the control application may continue analyzing the failureaccording to each condition associated with the user.

At step 1652, the control application may determine whether the failureis a required text failure. The message fails a required text controlcondition if it excludes required text. If it is determined that thefailure is not required text, the control application may proceed toanalyze for the next failure at step 1658. At step 1654, the controlapplication may determine whether the message is being sent by the useror being received by the user. If the user is receiving the message, therequired text condition may not apply to that sender and the controlapplication may proceed to step 1658. At step 1656, if the user issending the message, the control application may prompt the user tocorrect the control condition failure. FIG. 11 shows one example of anillustrative warning display 1102 of a failed required text condition.In this example, the warning display 1102 prompts the user to correctthe message by manually editing the message 1110 or by deleting themessage 1114.

At step 1658, the control application may determine whether the failureis a banned text failure. The message fails a banned text controlcondition if it includes banned text. If it is determined that thefailure is not banned text, the control application may proceed toanalyze for the next failure at step 1666.

At step 1660, the control application may determine whether the messageis being sent by the user or being received by the user. At step 1664,if the user is receiving the message, the control application mayautomatically correct the banned text condition by replacing the text,by deleting the text or by blocking the message from being delivered(e.g., deleting the message). At step 1662, if the user is sending themessage, the control application may prompt the user to correct thecontrol condition failure. FIG. 10 shows one example of an illustrativewarning display 1002 of a failed banned text condition. In this example,the warning display 1002 prompts the user to correct the message bymanually editing the message 1010 or by choosing options 1012, 1014 or1016 to have the control application automatically correct the message.

At step 1666, the control application may determine whether the failureis an authorized text failure. The message fails an authorized textcontrol condition when it includes unauthorized text. If it isdetermined that the failure is not due to unauthorized text, the controlapplication may proceed to step 1672 to determine whether there isanother failure to analyze.

At step 1668, if the message fails an authorized text control condition,the control application may determine whether the message is being sentby the user or being received by the user. If the user is receiving themessage, the authorized text condition may not apply to that sender andthe control application may proceed to step 1672. In some embodiments,if the user is receiving the message, the control application mayautomatically correct the unauthorized text condition by replacing thetext, by deleting the text or by blocking the message from beingdelivered (e.g., deleting the message). At step 1670, if the user issending the message, the control application may prompt the user tocorrect the control condition failure. For example, the warning displaymay prompt the user to correct the message by manually editing themessage or by choosing to have the control application automaticallycorrect the message.

At step 1672, the control application may determine if additionalfailures need to be identified. At step 1608, the control applicationmay select the next failure and follow steps 1662 through 1670 asdescribed above. The control application may continue this process foranalyzing the failure until all failures have been identified. Once allfailures have been identified and corrected, the control application mayproceed to step 1674. At step 1674, the control application may parsethe corrected message for control condition failures according to theprocess described in FIG. 16A.

Various configurations described herein may be combined withoutdeparting from the present invention. The above described embodiments ofthe present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and notof limitation. The present invention also can take many forms other thanthose explicitly described herein. Accordingly, it is emphasized thatthe invention is not limited to the explicitly disclosed methods,systems and apparatuses, but is intended to include variations to andmodifications thereof which are within the spirit of the followingclaims.

1. A text-based communication device comprising: input circuitry thatprovides a user interface to enable a user to perform at least one ofinputting and editing a text message; transmission circuitry for sendingthe text message; and processing circuitry for controlling the sendingof the text message based on at least a portion of the text message andat least one message control condition.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the at least one message control condition comprises: requiredtext, banned text, authorized text, and designated language.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2 further comprising: data storage circuitry that storesat least one of: a plurality of required text words, a plurality ofbanned text words, a plurality of authorized text words, and a pluralityof designated language forms.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein theprocessing circuitry comprises: circuitry that compares a portion of themessage with information in the data storage circuitry to determinewhether the at least one message control condition is satisfied.
 5. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein the processing circuitry comprises circuitrythat comprises at least one of: prevention circuitry that prevents thesending of the message if any of the at least one message controlcondition is not satisfied; and passing circuitry that allows thesending of the message if the all of the at least one message controlcondition is satisfied.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the processingcircuitry comprises: prompting circuitry that prompts the user to modifythe message if the message does not satisfy all of the at least onemessage control condition.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the atleast one message control condition comprises rated message controlconditions corresponding to the user's designated language skill rating.8. The device of claim 7, wherein the rated message control conditionsare applied to a portion of the message based on the user's designatedlanguage skill rating.
 9. The device of claim 2, wherein the designatedlanguage comprises at least one of: a required foreign language,vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation based on the user'sdesignated skill level.
 10. A text-based communication devicecomprising: viewing circuitry that enables a user to view a textmessage; receiver circuitry for receiving the text message from asender; and processor circuitry for controlling whether or not the textmessage is provided to the viewing circuitry based on at least a portionof the text message and at least one message control condition.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the at least one message control conditioncomprising at least one of: required text, banned text, authorized text,and designated language.
 12. The device of claim 11 further comprising:data-storage circuitry that stores information comprising at least oneof: a plurality of required text words, a plurality of banned textwords, a plurality of authorized text words, and a plurality ofdesignated language forms.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein theprocessing circuitry comprises: comparison circuitry that compares atleast a portion of the text message with the information in the datastorage circuitry to determine whether the text message satisfies the atleast one message control condition.
 14. The device of claim 13, whereinthe processing circuitry comprises at least one of: prevention circuitrythat prevents the text message from being displayed by the viewingcircuitry if the text message does not satisfy one or more of the atleast one message control condition; and passing circuitry that allowsthe text message to be displayed by the viewing circuitry if the textmessage satisfies all of the at least one message control condition. 15.The device of claim 14, wherein the processing circuitry comprises:prompting circuitry that prompts the sender to modify the text messageif the text message does not satisfy all of the at least one messagecontrol condition.
 16. The device of claim 10, wherein the at least onemessage control condition comprises at least one rated message controlcondition that is based on the user's designated language skill rating.17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one rated messagecontrol condition is applied to a portion of the text message that is ator below the user's designated language skill rating.
 18. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the designated language comprises at least one of: arequired foreign language, vocabulary, spelling, grammar andpunctuation.
 19. A method for filtering a text message on a text-basedcommunication device comprising: performing at least one of inputtingand editing a text message; and controlling the sending of the textmessage based on at least a portion of the text message and at least onemessage control condition.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the atleast one message control condition comprises at least one rated messagecontrol condition that is based on a user's designated language skillrating.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein controlling comprises atleast one of: preventing the sending of the text message if the messagedoes not satisfy the at least one rated message control condition; andallowing the sending of the text message if the message satisfies all ofthe at least one rated message control condition.
 22. A method forfiltering a text message received by a text-based communication devicecomprising: receiving the text message; and controlling whether the textmessage is displayed to a user based on at least a portion of the textmessage and at least one message control condition.
 23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the at least one message control condition comprisesat least one rated message control condition that corresponds to auser's designated language skill rating.
 24. The method of claim 23,wherein controlling comprises at least one of: preventing the receivingof the text message if the message does not satisfy the at least onerated message control condition; and allowing the receiving of the textmessage if the message satisfies all of the at least one rated messagecontrol condition.
 25. A communications system comprising: a firstcommunication device for performing at least one of sending andreceiving a text message; and an administrator unit that sets theconditions that permits the first communications device to send andreceive a text message based on the content of the text message.